Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine is disclosed which includes a rotor (a reel or a roulette wheel) including a visible surface on which symbols are displayed. The visible surface includes a laminated structure with micro lens and dotted pattern layers, which cooperate to create an illusion of depth in a backdrop for the symbols. Preferably, the micro lens and dotted pattern layers are laminated on a sheet mounted on the visible surface. Alternatively, portions of the rotor including the micro lens layer may be molded of transparent plastic material, and the dotted pattern layer may be laminated on a sheet placed on the inner side of the visible surface. The three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop will entice persons to play games on the gaming machine. In addition, players will primarily stare at the two-dimensional symbols while playing games, and thus can avoid eye strain regardless of the three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, a gaming machine that comprises one or more rotors having a surface visible to a player on which symbols are displayed.

2. Background Information

The variety in gaming machines is quite wide, and extends from large arcade game machines to home and portable video game machines. In addition, the functions of game machines have been integrated into other devices, such as a beverage vending machine having a roulette-like function.

Examples of gaming machines include slot machines, roulette machines, and combinations thereof (e.g. “Wheel of Fortune”), that are equipped with one or more rotors, such as reels and roulette wheels, which comprise surfaces visible to players on which symbols are displayed. The rotor(s) can spin in order to change the positions of the symbols relative to a player. Players may be able to win money (credits) or bonuses based upon the positions of the symbols when the rotor comes to a rest.

In some conventional gaming machines that have rotors, display devices therein comprise “3D sheets” on which symbols are displayed, such as the gaming machines disclosed in Japan Published Patent Applications 2001-000624 and 2004-215885. A typical 3D sheet has a laminated structure comprising a micro lens layer and a dotted pattern layer. The dot pitches in the dotted pattern layer slightly differ from the micro lens pitches in the micro lens layer. This creates Moiré fringe contour patterns on the visible surfaces of the rotor on which a 3D sheet is placed. In a conventional gaming machine, the Moiré patterns are created in order to represent the symbols, and thus, these symbols appear to be three-dimensional because of binocular disparities, and because the symbols appear to be slightly different when viewed from different angles. The three-dimensional appearances can raise the interests of players. However, players tend to stare at the Moiré patterns that represent the symbols, and as a result, overuse their eye muscles. This can result in eye strain in players.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved gaming machine that comprises a rotor on which symbols are displayed, and which provides a three-dimensional effect thereon that will not cause eye strain in players even after long term use of the gaming machine. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a rotor having a visible surface on which symbols are displayed. Preferably, the rotor is a reel and the visible surface is the circumferential surface of the reel, for example, when the gaming machine is a slot machine. Alternatively, the rotor may be a roulette wheel, for example, when the gaming machine is a roulette machine or a combination of a slot machine and a roulette machine.

In addition, the visible surface of the rotor has a laminated structure comprising a micro lens layer and a dotted pattern layer. The laminated structure is particularly configured to create an illusion of depth in a backdrop for symbols displayed on the visible surface. Preferably, the symbols are displayed as two-dimensional images. The three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop will catch the attention of persons before they play games on the gaming machine, and thereby entice them to play games thereon. On the other hand, the players will stare mainly at the two-dimensional symbols, and not at the three-dimensional images in the background while playing games. Thus, a three-dimensional appearance can be achieved that is gentle on the eyes, and thus, reduce eye strain.

Preferably, the micro lens layer and the dotted pattern layer are laminated on a sheet mounted on the visible surface of the rotor. In this case, a change in the symbol pattern requires only replacement of the sheet, and thereby simplifies a model change of the gaming machine.

Alternatively, portions of a rotor that includes the micro lens layer may be molded of transparent plastic material, and the dotted pattern layer may be laminated on a sheet placed on the inner side of the rotor. The sheet does not have to include a micro lens layer, and accordingly the sheet is thinner and more flexible, and thereby easy to fix to the rotor with higher degree of stability. The enhanced manageability and lower cost of the sheet will simplify a model change of the gaming machine. The high degree of stability of the sheet against rotation and vibration of the rotor will contribute to longer lasting, sharper three-dimensional images. In addition, the micro lens layer can be formed on a curved shape and have a rigid structure from the start, and thus, each micro lens will rarely become distorted during manufacturing and use. Accordingly, the three-dimensional images may remain clear and sharp during the lifetime of the rotor.

The entire micro lens layer is preferably molded in one piece. A micro lens layer having a seamless structure will improve the strength and appearance of the visible surface of the rotor. Alternatively, portions of the rotor formed to have the micro lens layer may be separately molded. This can improve the manufacturing yields of the rotor.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stepper-reel slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reels installed in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the cross sectional view of the reel according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which is taken along the line III-III shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is the cross sectional view of the reel according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, which is taken along the line III-III shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of a roulette machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

EMBODIMENT 1

A gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is, preferably, a stepper-reel slot machine installed in an amusement arcade or a casino as shown in FIG. 1. The components of this slot machine visible from the exterior include a cabinet 1, three display units 3A, 3B, 3C, operation buttons 6, a spin button 7, a coin inlet 8, a coin outlet 9, a coin receiver 10, and reels 5. Control units for these components are mounted inside the cabinet 1 (not shown in the figures).

The three display units 3A, 3B, and 3C each receive external image data, and reproduce images which correspond to the image data. The images include, for example, images for use in decoration, such as the image of the logo of the company that developed the game, images for use in advertisements, images for use in visual effects in games, and the display of information about games, such as pay tables, illustrations of game content, bets, and the number of credits available. The three display units 3A, 3B, and 3C preferably include flat panel displays such as LCD, PDP, OLED, and electronic paper, or alternatively boards on which the above-described images are painted.

The operation buttons 6 and the spin button 7 shown in FIG. 1 are lamp buttons, which include light-emitting devices which light up when the buttons are pushed. A player uses the operation buttons 6, for example, in order to enter a bet or stop the reels 5. A player uses the spin button 7 in order to cue the reels 5 for the start of spin.

A player inserts coins in the coin inlet 8 shown in FIG. 1. Here, the coins may be either real currency or medals only allowed to be used for slot machines. The inserted coins are used to place bets in a game. Coins equivalent to the credits which the player receives as a prize for winning a game are discharged from the coin outlet 9, and then stored in the coin receiver 10.

Three display windows 4 are openings provided in front of the cabinet 1, as shown in FIG. 1. A portion of the circumferential surface of the reel 5 is visible through the display window 4 from the exterior of the cabinet 1. Each reel 5 is a member rotatable around the center axis thereof, and preferably, three or more reels 5 having the same form are coaxially installed inside the cabinet 1, as shown in FIG. 2. Each reel 5 is, preferably, a stepper reel. In other words, the rotation angle and speed of each reel 5 can be controlled by a stepping motor (not shown in the figures). A predetermined line of symbols 52 are displayed on each circumferential surface 51 of the reels 5. Different symbols 52 appear in the display windows 4, depending on the rotation angles of the reels 5. When the combination of the symbols visible in the display windows 4 matches a specific combination, a player wins a specific number of credits or specific bonuses.

A lighting device 2 shown in FIG. 2 is preferably a rod-shaped fluorescent lamp, or alternatively, may be a rod- or board-shaped LED lighting device. The lighting device 2 brightly illuminates the front of the circumferential surfaces 51 of the reels 5 from above the reels 5. Here, the lighting device 2 may be provided at a different position from the position shown in FIG. 2, for example, below, or on the right or left hand side of the reels 5. The light of the lighting device 2 reflected on the circumferential surface 51 clarify the symbols 52 and the 3D images 53. The circumferential surface 51 may have a translucent structure and a lighting device mounted on inside of each the reels 5, instead of the reflective structure shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the light of the lighting devices penetrating the circumferential surfaces 51 clarify the symbols 52 and the 3D images 53.

Three dimensional (3D) images 53 serve as a backdrop for the symbols 52 on the circumferential surfaces 51 of the reels 5, as shown in FIG. 2. The 3D images 53 are preferably small distinct symbols such as stars, circles, boxes, triangles, and the likes, which are systematically arranged on the circumferential surfaces 51. Alternatively, the 3D images 53 may be a specific pattern of stripes or gradations in color. The 3D images 53, in particular, create an illusion of depth to the backdrop for the symbols 52.

The 3D images 53 are created because the circumferential surface 51 show in FIG. 3 has a specific laminated structure. The laminated structure comprises a 3D sheet 11 mounted around the circumferential surface 51 of the reel 5. In this case, the reel 5 is preferably a cylindrical metal frame, and the circumferential surface 51 is preferably a plastic film wrapped around the reel 5. Alternatively, the reel 5 may be a drum molded of plastic and the circumferential surface 51 may be the cylindrical wall of the drum. The 3D sheet 11 comprises a micro lens layer 11A and a dotted pattern layer 11B. The micro lens layer 11A is preferably made of transparent plastic material. Equal-sized circular bulges 11C are systematically arranged on the outer surface of the micro lens layer 11A, and each of the bulges 11C operates as a convex lens. The dotted pattern layer 11B is preferably made of another plastic material. A specific dotted pattern 11D is preferably printed on the outer surface of the dotted pattern layer 11B. Alternatively, the dotted pattern layer 11B may include a flexible display device such as electronic paper, and the dotted pattern 11D may be displayed on the flexible display device. The dot pitch of the dotted pattern 11D slightly differs from the pitch of the bulges 11C. Therefore, a specific Moiré fringe contour pattern can appear on the visible surfaces of the reel 5. The Moiré pattern corresponds to the 3D images 53 (shown in FIG. 2), that create an illusion of depth to the backdrop for the symbols 52 because of binocular disparities, and because the appearance of these symbols will seem to be slightly different when seen from different angles. Here, the symbols 52 are printed directly on the outer surface of the micro lens layer 11A, or printed on a transparent film with which the outer surface of the micro lens layer 11A is covered. The symbols 52 will seem to be two dimensional floating objects in front of the 3D images 53, which creates the illusion of depth in the background. Such three-dimensional appearances can entice a person to play games on the gaming machine of the present invention. On the other hand, when playing games thereon, the players stare mainly at the symbols 52 but not at the Moiré patterns 53 in the background. In other words, players will not constantly stare directly at 3D images when playing games. Therefore, they can avoid eye strain, unlike the conventional gaming machine described above.

EMBODIMENT 2

A gaming machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is similar to the gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2), and in particular, is a stepper-reel slot machine. However, the reels 5 are different in structure between Embodiments 1 and 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). A description of the similar components can be found above in the description of Embodiment 1.

The reel 5 of Embodiment 2 is preferably a transparent plastic material (preferably PET) that is molded in one piece. Such a seamless structure of the reel 5 improves the strength and appearance of the circumferential surface 51 thereof. Alternatively, portions of the reel 5 may be separately molded, and assembled into a finished form. This can improve the manufacturing yields of the reel 5.

In particular, the circumferential surface 51 of the reel 5 has a different laminated structure that is shown in FIG. 4. The laminated structure comprises an outer sheet 12 and an inner sheet 13 on the outside and inside of the circumferential surface 51 of the reel 5, respectively. Moreover, equal-sized circular bulges 51A are systematically arranged on the outer surface of the circumferential surface 51, and serve as a micro lens layer. Each of the bulges 51A works as a convex lens. The outer sheet 12 is preferably a transparent plastic film. The symbols 52 are preferably printed on the outer sheet 12. The inner sheet 13 is preferably made of another plastic material and comprises a dotted pattern layer. A specific dotted pattern 13A is preferably printed on the dotted pattern layer. Alternatively, the dotted pattern layer may include a flexible display device such as electronic paper, and the dotted pattern 13A may be displayed thereon. The dot pitch of the dotted pattern 13A slightly differs from the pitch of the bulges 51A. Therefore, a specific Moiré fringe contour pattern (the 3D images 53 (cf. FIG. 2)) can appear on the visible surfaces of the reel 5, and creates an illusion of depth to the backdrop for the symbols 52. In a similar manner to that of Embodiment 1, the two-dimensional appearance of the floating symbols 52 and the three-dimensional appearance of the 3D images 53 in the backdrop can entice a person to play a game on the gaming machine of the present invention, while protecting the players from eye strain when they play games.

The inner sheet 13 does not have to include a micro lens layer, in contrast to the 3D sheet 11 (cf FIG. 3) used in Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the inner sheet 13 is thinner and more flexible than the 3D sheet 11, and thereby easy to fix on the inner side of the circumferential surface 51 with higher stability. The enhanced manageability and lower cost of the inner sheet 13 will simplify a model change of the gaming machine. In addition, the high stability of the inner sheet 13 against the spinning and vibration of the reel 5 will contribute to longer lasting, sharper 3D images 53. When the inner sheet 13 includes a flexible display device such as electronic paper, the dotted pattern 13A (accordingly the 3D images 53) can be easily changed without replacing the inner sheet 13.

The bulges 51A can be formed on a curved shape and have a rigid structure from the start, in contrast to the bulges 11C of the 3D sheet 11 (cf. FIG. 3). Thus, the shape of the bulges 51A will rarely become distorted during manufacturing and use, and accordingly, the high degree of sharpness of the 3D images 53 (cf. FIG. 2) can last for the lifetime of the reel 5.

Since the circumferential surface 51 of the reel 5 is molded of plastic, it can be formed in various shapes. In particular, bumps or dips much larger than the bulges 51A may be formed on the circumferential surface 51, and change the depth of the 3D images 53 or distort the arrangement of them. This can further raise the interest of players.

EMBODIMENT 3

A gaming machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is a combination of a roulette machine and a stepper-reel slot machine, such as “Wheel of Fortune”, shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, components in Embodiment 3 that are similar to the components of the gaming machine in Embodiment 1, shown in FIG. 1, are marked with the same reference numbers. A description of the similar components of Embodiment 3 can be found above in the description of Embodiment 1.

The gaming machine of Embodiment 3 in particular comprises a roulette wheel 21 (shown in FIG. 5). The wheel 21 is a large disc rotatable around the center axis thereof that is fixed on the front side of the cabinet 1. The rotation angle and speed of the wheel 21 can be controlled by a motor (not shown in the figures). The front surface of the wheel 21 is divided into a plurality of sectors. A number 21A is displayed on each sector of the wheel 21. For example, when a specific symbol or a specific combination of symbols appears in the display windows 4, the wheel 21 will start spinning. When the wheel 21 comes to a stop, a player will win an amount of credits that is equivalent to their bet multiplied by the number 21A indicated by a pointer 22.

Three dimensional (3D) images 21B serve as a backdrop for the numbers 21A on the front surface of the wheel 21, as shown in FIG. 5. The 3D images 21B are preferably small distinct symbols such as stars, circles, boxes, triangles, and the likes, which are systematically arranged on the front surface of the wheel 21. The 3D images 21B may be alternatively a specific pattern of stripes or gradations in color. The 3D images 21B in particular create an illusion of depth to the backdrop for the numerals 21A.

The 3D images 21B result from a laminated structure on the front surface of the wheel 21, which is similar to the laminated structure of the circumferential surface 51 shown in FIG. 3 or 4. More specifically, the 3D sheet 11 shown in FIG. 3 is mounted on the front surface of the wheel 21. The 3D sheet 11 comprises the micro lens layer 11A and the dotted pattern layer 11B, which cooperate to produce a specific Moiré fringe contour pattern, i.e. the 3D images 21B, on the front surface of the wheel 21 in a similar manner to that of Embodiment 1. In this case, the numerals 21A are printed directly on the outer surface of the micro lens layer 11A, or printed on a transparent film which covers the outer surface of the micro lens layer 11A.

Alternatively, as show in FIG. 4, the wheel 21 may be preferably molded of transparent plastic material (preferably PET), and the front surface thereof may have a systematic arrangement of bulges 51A that serve as a micro lens layer. Moreover, the front surface of the wheel 21 is sandwiched between the outer sheet 12 and the inner sheet 13. The numerals 21A are printed on the outer sheet 12. A specific dotted pattern 13A is printed or displayed on the dotted pattern layer of the inner sheet 13. The bulges 51A on the wheel 21 and the dotted pattern 13A on the inner sheet 13 cooperate to produce a specific Moiré fringe contour pattern, i.e. the 3D images 21B, on the front surface of the wheel 21 in a similar manner to that of Embodiment 2. The numerals 21A will appear to be two dimensional, floating objects with the 3D images 21B in the backdrop thereof. This type of three-dimensional appearance can entice a person to play games on the gaming machine of the present invention. On the other hand, when playing games, the players generally stare at the numerals 21A but not at the Moiré patterns 21B. Thus, the players can avoid eye strain.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a rotor comprising a laminated structure having a micro lens layer and a dotted pattern layer, the laminated structure configured to create an illusion of depth in a backdrop of symbols that are displayed on a visible surface of the laminated structure.
 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises a reel, and the visible surface comprises the circumferential surface of the reel.
 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotor is a roulette wheel.
 4. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the micro lens layer and the dotted pattern layer are laminated on the visible surface of the rotor.
 5. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rotor is integral with the micro lens layer, and the dotted pattern layer is arranged on an inner side of the rotor.
 6. A gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the entire micro lens layer is integral with the rotor. 